# mutiny

/ˈmjutəni/ (US) · /mjˈuːtɪni/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mutiny
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

an occasion when a group of people, like soldiers or sailors, refuse to obey their leader. It usually involves trying to take control of the ship or organization.

For teachers: an open rebellion against constituted authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.

## Examples

- The sailors planned a mutiny against their cruel captain.
- The crew's growing anger over the lack of food eventually led to a full-scale mutiny in the middle of the ocean.
- Historical accounts of the mutiny suggest that the uprising was not merely a reaction to harsh discipline, but a calculated attempt to seize the vessel for piracy.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as an uncountable concept in general discussion, but becomes countable when referring to specific historical incidents.

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